Ipswich Town climbed back into the Championship's top two after a dramatic 2-2 draw with promotion rivals Middlesbrough. The match turned on a controversial penalty awarded in the 87th minute when George Hirst went down in the box despite minimal contact from Adilson Malanda. Jack Clarke confidently converted the spot-kick to salvage a point for Kieran McKenna's side.

Boro had looked set to leapfrog Ipswich when Tommy Conway tapped in to restore their lead after David Strelec's opener was canceled out by Kasey McAteer. The result leaves Middlesbrough seven games without a win and significantly dents their automatic promotion hopes. Ipswich now sit second on goal difference with four games remaining and a game in hand on their rivals.

Both managers offered contrasting views on the decisive moment. McKenna praised his team's dominance despite conceding momentum, while Boro boss Kim Hellberg criticized the penalty decision, suggesting such contact happens frequently without punishment. The draw keeps Ipswich in a strong position for promotion, though McKenna acknowledged the challenging schedule ahead with three away games in six days.